Hastings named head coach at Minnesota State Mankato

Blog Post by: $author

April 14, 2012 - 8:04 PM

Mike Hastings has been named the new MSU Mankato men's hockey coach.

He has been coaching in the WCHA the past four seasons, serving as an assistant on Don Lucia's Gophers staff in 2008-09 and then as an associate head coach on Dean Blais' Nebraska Omaha staff the past three seasons.

Before that he was the coach and general manager of the Omaha Lancers. In 14 seasons, he had a record of 529-210-56, making him the winningest coach in USHL history.

The Mavericks will play the Gophers twice this coming season, probably in home-and-home series before the Gophers leave for the Big Ten Conference in 2013-14.

"I believe we can win here and we're thrilled to get started," Hastings was quoted as saying in a MSU news release.

Hastings is only the third coach in MSU history. Don Brose led the program from 1969 yo 2000 and Troy Jutting since then before being reassigned to other administrative duties on April 1.

He starts the job Monday and, according to AD Kevin Buisman, will have a four-year contract at a salary of $225,000, part of privately funded.

A GOOD HIRE

I talked with Hastings numerous times when he was a Gophers assistant. He seems like a good hire. He is obviously very knowledgeable about the game, and comes across as enthusiastic and passionate about his sport.

With the Gophers, he worked primarily with the forwards.

He should be a strong recruiter, especially if improvements are made to the Mavericks' rink. His friendship with Lucia should add another twist to the Mavericks-Gophers rivalry, too.